33" or 34" tires; any effective differences?

[Riff Raff]

IMO, if you get the 33"s you will want the 34"s eventually.

LOL, how true. ZEUS is correct in that you'll always wish you had gone bigger after your initial tire purchase. Thus, the magical 35" O.D. tires are easily within reach of the VX.

DBP (David)--- When it comes to wheels/tires, the VX is limited only to what can fit and most importantly "turn" within the FRONT wheel-wells (the rear wheel-wells have gobs of extra space). Basically; if it will fit on the front, then it will easily fit on the rear. I'd like you to consider this wheel & tire size set-up for your future VX, and here's why:

WHEELS: 2000/2001 OEM 18x7 Stock VX Rims.
Why: The OEM rims have the proper offset/backspacing to absolutely minimize front wheel-well rubbing (plus they look damn good). Many tires that won't fit with aftermarket wheels, will easily fit with the OEM 18x7 rims. In the VX world, using the OEM 18x7 Stock Rim is the "true secret" to mounting larger tires with minimal rubbing issues within the tightly cramped front wheel-wells.

TIRE SIZE: LT285/75R18 (11.5 x 35)
Why: The 285 series width is the widest tire that will still fit on a narrow 7" wide rim (i.e. OEM 18x7 rim). The 285/75R18 is the skinniest 35" O.D. tire made which is DOT approved (there is the extremely skinny 35x10-15LT "Baja Pro" dune-buggy tire by Mickey-Thompson, but it is not DOT approved for street use).

BTW, the Mickey-Thompson, "Baja Pro" (dune-buggy tire), 35x10-15LT (35" O.D./40 lbs) although not DOT approved would make an excellent full-size spare compatible in O.D. to the 285/75R18 and is super-lightweight as it only weighs 40 frickin' pounds (the Mickey-Thompson website shows this specific tire is now "discontinued"; however, it is still available from multiple tire suppliers on the internet).

There are only four(4) tires made in the world in the rare 285/75R18 size, they are:

A. Toyo, Open Country - A/T, LT285/75R18 (35" O.D./66 lbs).
Why Unique: It is the only true "A/T" tire made in this size.

B. Toyo, Open Country - M/T, LT285/75R18 (35" O.D./70 lbs).
Why Unique: It is the only true "M/T" tire made in this size WITHOUT pre-pinned stud capability.

C. Maxxis, MT-762 "Bighorn", LT285/75R18 (35" O.D./70 lbs).
Why Unique: It is the only true "M/T" tire made in this size WITH pre-pinned stud capability.

D. Good/Year, Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar, LT285/75R18 (35" O.D./65 lbs).
Why Unique: It is the only true "asymmetrical" multi-role tire made in this size.

By using both the OEM 18x7 Stock VX rims in conjunction with the LT285/75R18 size tire will enable you to obtain a 35" O.D. tire with very minimal rubbing issues within the very tightly cramped front wheel-wells of the VX. Sure; you will have to lift, trim, and BFH a little, but this set-up combination will provide the least amount of installation headaches possible. To my knowledge, no VX owner has ever done this wheel/tire set-up on a VX (you would be the first).

A quick word about VX "lifting"-- get the wheels/tires mounted and test-fitted on the VX first, and then lift the VX afterward only as necessary to provide proper clearance for the chosen wheel/tire set-up. This method of VX lifting will help minimize future CV related issues by not lifting too-far in advance as required for a given wheel/tire set-up. Your lifting gauge will be clearance within the front wheel-wells. When they finally fit on the front axle; stop lifting, because they will most likely already fit on the rear axle.

[Marlin]

*sigh*, here we go again. Alright, update on the Kevlars. Whatever they changed, it seems to be much better. The rubber is much harder than the original formula. I have no problems as of yet and no signs of wear in 500 miles. (as compared to the 1/8" in <1k miles with first set) I think that is why goodyear agreed to replace mine, they knew they had a problem.

The kevlars really are indestructible. They also look SWEEEET!!!! The asymmetrical tread pattern is where its at! But they are pricey, and if you are just going to randomly play in the mud and half heartedly drive on gravel roads, save some bucks and get the BFGs or traditional MTRs. I ended up not getting the TSLs for the wifeys RS, I got some 33" treadwrights instead. I couldn't pass up 4 brand new mud tires for 500 bucks shipped.

I would say do what you can to get a 34" tire. The goodyear site says the 275/70/18 is 33.4", by tape measure in the driveway at 50psi is a hair over 34", so go figure. I have no rub as far as turning in the front, but I had to cut and hammer a bit for both 32s and then some more for the 34s. Rear rub only on full flex and going down hill. Just minor plastic rub.

[Jay Dunford]

D. Good/Year, Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar, LT285/75R18 (35" O.D./65 lbs).
Why Unique: It is the only true "directional" multi-role tire made in this size.

Actually they are NOT directional, they do have an asymetrical tread. They are supposed to be mounted with the same side "out" on each side of the vehicle. This allows you to rotate the tires using an x-pattern rotation which helps a bunch on cupping type wear on MT tires. 15K on mine and about 3/4 tread left and very even wear across the tire.

[Marlin]

Actually they are NOT directional, they do have an asymetrical tread. They are supposed to be mounted with the same side "out" on each side of the vehicle. This allows you to rotate the tires using an x-pattern rotation which helps a bunch on cupping type wear on MT tires. 15K on mine and about 3/4 tread left and very even wear across the tire.

The goodyear regional rep here told me I could mount them either way, the goodyear dealer refused to mount them any way other than "this side outboard". Why you make a white letter MT I ahve no idea. But in the size I have, its the only option.

I am glad to hear about your good wear. I think my new ones will wear similarly, the tread is still shiny, as compared to my first set went dull in a few weeks. QA problems solved I hope. Since I only put 3-4K miles a year on the VX, hopefully these tires last me the life of the truck

[dbp]

By using both the OEM 18x7 Stock VX rims in conjunction with the LT285/75R18 size tire will enable you to obtain a 35" O.D. tire with very minimal rubbing issues within the very tightly cramped front wheel-wells of the VX.

Hmmm... you know Riff Raff, that's a fairly brilliant idea, I must say. I am flying to Idaho to likely pickup a 1999 Ebony tomorrow, but it does have stock 18" wheels on it (no worry; I know the story why... will post if I pick it up). I definitely wanted black wheels, though... ideally wanted matte black with a polished rim. I previously had thought to powder coat the stock wheels black before I had the aftermarket approach, so perhaps I could go back to that plan. 35" with minimal rubbing sounds VERY appealing, and the fact that it comes in the tire I wanted anyway makes this even more likely. I know a powder coater locally who I thought could do a set of 16s for around $300... hopefully similar for the 18's. I wonder if he could leave the lip untouched? Or grind it and polish it... That'd be sweet... I'll have to give them a call on Monday and perhaps get that ball rolling. Sounds like a sweet idea. BTW, there is a VehiCROSS on autotrader with black powder coated 18" wheels, and they look pretty sweet:



I'll have to mull this over, but I'm strongly considering that approach. Are the stock 18's fairly light? I still worry about the weight... but 65 pounds for the tires isn't TOO bad compared to most 35"... Thanks for the suggestion!

David

[Riff Raff]

[Riff Raff]

Are the stock 18's fairly light? I still worry about the weight... but 65 pounds for the tires isn't TOO bad compared to most 35"... Thanks for the suggestion!

David

DBP (David)--- It's my sincere pleasure to help you with any VX wheel/tire questions. Powder-coating wheels is an "art" by itself, and experienced powder-coaters can do literally anything custom and is only limited by your imagination (and $$$ of course). The OEM 18x7 Stock Rim weighs 28 lbs, which is comparible to many aftermarket rims.

A quick word about individual tire weight-- the VX-OEM tire of 245/60R18 weighs only 34 lbs each, so putting on heavy 65+ lbs aftermarket tires is quite an increase in unsprung weight. MPG, launch, and braking distance will suffer dramatically. The tire industry recommends no more than 10 lbs over OEM tire weight-- or in the case of the VX, a tire of no more than a maximum of 44 lbs each to maintain proper safety standards (especially braking distance). Obviously, when selecting massive aftermarket tires the 10-pound safety margin cannot be maintained.

When using heavy aftermarket tires, it's best to increase your following distance from the car in front of you to allow for the increased braking distance required to stop the VX in an emergency panic stop. You will soon discover that having an increased safety cushion of space around your VX will help prevent you from causing a possible rear-end collision and allow you to take evasive action into avoiding a possible accident, especially in today's grid-lock freeway situations which offer little advance warning to brake.

Please keep us posted as your VX plans progress. Welcome to our close-knit family here on VX.Info and to the addiction. Your life is about to change forever after you aquire your VX.

[dbp]

Riff Raff,

I've read many of your posts on wheels/tires as I've been searching about it over the last few weeks. I appreciate your approach. I am aware of the issue with unsprung weight and stopping distances, etc. I have a '70 Chevelle that's a 12 second car in the quarter mile and has drums all around. :-D Speaking of a vehicle that's underbraked... so I'll definitely know to be careful here. Though my usual street vehicles are things that have awesome brakes as I track my cars and motorcycles often, so I will certainly have to get used to it again.

Thanks for telling me the stock wheels weight, too! I've been searching for that for 15 minutes! Sheesh... My biggest worry is all these people talking about busting front axles and stuff like that. So with these 35s, I'll have 93pounds of wheel/tire weight. Man that's a lot... I don't plan on jacking the thing up TOO high, just enough to clear everything, so hopefully the CV's won't suffer too much. I think my current concern in all of this is the weight... I've seen posts of other people saying things like, "Looks cool with those 35s, but let me know when your front axl snaps!" Does that really happen? Yet tons of people wear 33s, which are usually around 60 pounds. Is 5 more pounds really anything to worry about? Thanks,

David

PS, oh yeah, I see you're in Tacoma. Perhaps one of these days we'll have to get together and find some fun places to go! What size tires are you running?

[Riff Raff]

I see you're in Tacoma. Perhaps one of these days we'll have to get together and find some fun places to go! What size tires are you running?

DBP (David)--- Happy to help, and glad to know you're quite wise with a variety of automotive issues and experienced in racing. Sometimes I don't know what level of expertise a new inquirer might have, so I often try to write in very simple terms to communicate effectively-- I meant no offense on my part, and I know you didn't take it in a negative way.

You can count on us meeting someday, and I will make it a personal mission with anxious anticipation. I am in touch with fellow member ROWHARD (Olympia, WA) on a daily basis, so we already have a little PNW grouping. There are quite a few members from the Oregon area as well, and member DON MOORE is one of our most active. If he see's this posting, I'm sure he'll chime in with some sarcastic comment (in true D.M. form).

My VX is 100% Stock "non-lifted" (no TB cranks, with OEM-RS) and I'm running the famous General - Grabber AT2 in P275/65R18 (32" O.D./44 lbs) mounted on the OEM 18x7 Stock Rims. They are absolutely bolt-on perfect due to the OEM rims without any further modifications; although the fitting is extremely tight, and just had to trim a little tiny triangle corner of front inner cladding (very common).

With a little bit more trimming of cladding and a couple of whacks with a BFH, a 100% Stock "non-lifted" VX can still handle a 275/70R18 (33" O.D.) without any lifting and remain at the stock height (no TB cranks, with OEM-RS). It will be extremely tight, but the 275/70R18 (33" O.D.) will still fit without any lifting (only creative trimming & BFH required). I had once considered the BFG - Rugged Trail in P275/70R18 (33" O.D./46 lbs) due to its extreme lightweight, but instead chose the much more aggressive Grabber AT2 for its incredible specifications in every tire catagory while still being lightweight.

Any tire "OVER" the height of 33" O.D., will require some sort of VX "lifting". Perhaps only front TB cranks; depending upon tire/wheel set-up, and then perhaps the addition of taller RS for even taller tires. You'll just have to play with it as you go.

If you decide to go with the OEM 18x7 Stock Rims with LT285/75R18 (35" O.D.); please take copious notes and pictures during the installation, as you will clearly set the new benchmark/standard for the rest who may be considering membership in the exclusive VX 35" O.D. Club (which there are very few current members). I predict success on your part, and would imagine your lead will be emulated many times in the future by other VX members following in your footsteps.

[VX KAT]

My VX is 100% Stock "non-lifted" (no TB cranks, with OEM-RS) and I'm running the famous General - Grabber AT2 in P275/65R18 (32" O.D./44 lbs) mounted on the OEM 18x7 Stock Rims. They are absolutely bolt-on perfect due to the OEM rims without any further modifications; although the fitting is extremely tight, and just had to trim a little tiny triangle corner of front inner cladding (very common).

Just to be clear for dbp, that's the front outer corner of the cladding that you trimmed (and is a triangle shape), correct? Or if not, what part of the "inner cladding" are you referring to? I just pressure washed my wheel wells today so I was just looking quite closely at the cladding, liner etc, and am not sure which part you are referring to. Is it this piece?

[Riff Raff]

Yup, that's the exact piece and location of the cladding trimmed triangle. I used the term "inner" (aka inner-side) as in the "interior" of the forward portion of the front fenderwells. Basically, where the front portion of the front tires swing "inward" towards the engine. BTW, nice picture and thanx for sharing!!!

[RickOKC]

BTW, there is a VehiCROSS on autotrader with black powder coated 18" wheels, and they look pretty sweet:

I agree that the factory wheels with black powder coat would look good! I recently had the same done to the stock 17" wheels on my other car. I dropped off the car and picked it up later so they also removed the wheels, balanced and put them back on. The total cost was $400 which included fixing some curb rash.

Just wanted to point out to other members who are shopping: I've seen that VX and that is not powder coat! The owner sprayed the wheels and cladding with flat black bar-b-que grille paint from a rattle can. (No extra charge for the over-spray on the tires and paint!) It looked "fuzzy" and sloppy and immediately began chipping off from the chrome. Three months later, it's even worse with dark spots from fingers where people have touched the cladding and thin places where the bird poo has been cleaned off. Too bad - if it wasn't for that paint, I might have bought it.